Wednesday, November 22, 2006

A Gift From Rebbe Nachman

Rebbe Nachman states that by giving tzedakah to a tzaddik, one can correct the vices of evil speech and arrogance, and their derivative traits

(Likkutei Moharan I, 4:8). Both sets of evil traits lead to poverty. However, by giving tzedakah to a tzaddik one will be protected from such undesirable qualities, and the poverty they bring in their wake.

The Rav of Tcherin, who was the leading thinker of the third generation of Breslov Chassidus, adds that we can still accomplish this tikkun by giving tzedakah to increase the dissemination of Rebbe Nachman's teachings.

Founded ten years ago by Rav Elazar Mordechai Kenig , shlita, leader of the Breslov community in Tzefat, The Breslov Center for Spirituality and Inner Growth is the only such outreach center under the guidance of Gedolei Breslov in America .

We can't make the same claim in Eretz Yisrael, but we have recently opened a branch of The Breslov Center for English-speakers in Yerushalayim.

The Breslov Center sponsors weekly classes in several communities in greater New York, another weekly class in Jerusalem, plus special lectures in various locations, Melaveh Malkas, Shabbatons, all-day seminars ("A Day With Rebbe Nachman"), Chassidic music events, weekly hisbodedus outings, and a multi-faceted website with an online library of essays and translations and an audio shiurim center.

Soon we hope to expand into the realm of publishing, with several works-in-progress, including "Naturally Breslov " (a Breslov cook book) and a compilation of Breslov customs, spiritual practices, and oral histories. Both will be "firsts" in Breslov history.

However, we have a volunteer office staff, volunteer teachers, no fund raising apparatus, and no budget for advertising. Therefore, we feel like we are driving a Jaguar that is running on one piston!

If Rebbe Nachman has touched your heart, and all the more so, if he has changed your life for the better -- express your appreciation, and help us to bring his uniquely inspiring teachings to the world.

Rebbe Nachman said: "Whenever I receive, I am actually giving!"

Please do us all a favor, and give generously to Rebbe Nachman by supporting the Breslov Center.